Bulbophyllum lepidum

 

Bulbophyllum lepidum 

(BI.) J.J.Sm. Section: Cirrhopetalum

This hot growing lowland bulbophyllum species is easy to grow even in a high-rise apartment. Hence, this plant is a very suitable candidate for beginners with tight space constraint. 

There is some variation in the color intensity of the lateral sepal from pink to dark maroon red, depending on their country origin, which ranges from Thailand, Malaysia to Indonesia. This 'fused' sepal act as a landing platform for its pollinator (flies).

The flower emits a distinct foul smell that may put off some growers. However the odor does not deter me from growing the orchid, as I regard it as a distinct characteristic of this genus. 





Bulbophyllum lepidum has been considered by many orchid hobbits as one of regular bloomer which can be grow in heavy shade (high-rise) condition. This particular bulbophyllum is from Thailand.

Flower: close-up of the Thailand form

On the other hand, bulbophyllum lepidum from Taiwan (below) has a darker pink coloration with red spots on its lateral sepal, as compared to that from Thailand.      



Flower: close-up of the Taiwan form